Harvest frequency decreased plant vigor of 3 tallgrass prairie species in Nebraska after only a single year. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) was the most vigorous, and Indiangrass the least, but Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) was also the least affected by treatments (after 3 harvests it produced 84% of control biomass compared with 45% for the other 2). Plant vigor was similar between plants harvested once and plants harvested twice, when coupled with a rest period. Burning and interactions of burn date and harvests effected some measures of plant vigor, but for the most part had no significant impact. Vigorous spring etiolated growth and high tillering potential may partially explain the dominance of big bluestem in the tallgrass prairie.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.